The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has warned that recent terrorist attacks on communities in Kwara and Kogi States are calculated attempts to create a “state within a state,” seize territories, and destabilise governments.
Jare Ajayi, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, issued a statement asserting that the continued displacement and destruction of communities in Kwara, Kogi, and the Middle Belt served as a grim reminder: terrorism in these regions poses a direct threat to the South West and the entire nation. Separately, Afenifere expressed deep sympathy over the recent calamity in Kwara, the boat mishap in Kogi, and the flood disasters in Niger State.
The group stressed that the operational methods used in the latest Kwara attacks indicate the perpetrators are not ordinary kidnappers or cattle rustlers. Rather, they are well-armed terrorists backed by powerful local and international sponsors.
“The type of weapons they deploy, the daring manner of their attacks, and the scale of destruction clearly show that powerful interests, both within and outside Nigeria, are backing them. The so-called ‘illegal miners’ may not be unconnected,” the statement read.
Afenifere cautioned those aiding and abetting terrorism, warning that they, too, would ultimately not escape the consequences.
Ajayi stated: “What is happening in Afghanistan today, and the anarchy that has engulfed Libya since the ouster of Muammar Gaddafi, should serve as lessons. Sponsors of terror must know that once a country is destabilised, no one is immune—not even their own families.”
Recalling President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day pledge to confront insecurity, the group stressed that urgent and practical measures must be taken, as “the nation no longer has the luxury of time.”
Afenifere urged the governments of Kwara, Kogi, and Niger states to take proactive steps to prevent further disasters. Finally, Ajayi implored the Federal Government to “rein in the terror in men and inspire citizens to let the humanity in them flourish in their daily lives.”
